(Lagos) Muslim Public Affairs Center (MPAC) wishes to extend sincere condolence to the families and friends of Alhaji Abd-Lateef Oladimeji Adegbite who passed away on Friday, 28 September, 2012.

As Allah’s promise is fulfilled, we can only say Innalilahi Wa ina Ilahi Rajiun.

We pray that Allah (SWT) forgives him and grant him the very best part of His Jannah, amin. We also pray that Allah (SWT) preserves his family and give them and his friends the patience to deal with the immeasurable loss, amin.

Born into a strictly Muslim family in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Alhaji Adegbite attended Methodist School, Abeokuta and King’s College, Lagos State on scholarship. He co-founded and was the first National president of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria. Until his death, he was the Secretary-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA)- a position he used well to represent the Nigerian Muslim Ummah locally and the entire humanity internationally. He served in many major national offices during his life, including as Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Matters in the old Western Region of Nigeria. In October 1976 he founded the legal firm of Lateef Adegbite & Co as the Principal Partner, specializing in Commercial and Corporate Law. He was one of the founders of the Abeokuta Social Club in 1972.

Among other important services to the nation, Alhaji Adegbite was president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee from 1972 to 1985. He was Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Maiduguri from 1984 to 1990. He became a member of the Executive Committee of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also became a Director of Industrial and General Insurance Plc. Alhaji Adegbite was appointed a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He holds the traditional titles of Seriki of Egbaland and Baba Adinni of Egba Muslims. On 9 March 2011 President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him Chairman of a Presidential Committee on Public Awareness on Security and Civic Responsibilities.

While his most cherished positions and achievements were those that put him in the worship of Allah, service of the ummah and humanity, his death is a reminder to all of us that each day that passes, each day we breathe, each day we go about our lives, sinning or doing good, is but a day closer to our end, closer to our return to our Creator.

MPAC celebrates the life and achievements of Alhaji Adegbite and we commiserate with the Nigerian Muslim community on the death of one of our leaders. Indeed, the whole Nigerian society has lost a rare gem whose single-minded dedication to the growth, unity, peace and prosperity of our nation is immense. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to bless us with able and great leaders like Alhaji Abd-Lateef Adegbite. He was aged 79 when he passed away.